Peter Bruegel, 1606. Aegidius Sadeler (Flemish, c. 1570–1629), after Bartholomaeus Spranger (Flemish, 1546–1611). Engraving; sheet: 30.1 x 20.4 cm (11 7/8 x 8 1/16 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of P. & D. Colnaghi Co. 1925.1218

Around 1600, three decades after the death of artist Pieter Bruegel (about 1525-1569), a renewed interest in his work sparked the so-called Bruegel Renaissance. Admired for his scenes of everyday life and his realistic landscapes, he was highly praised for faithfully following nature. Appropriately, the inscription on Sadeler's print is a lengthy discussion about the imitation of nature, a matter of great interest to artists at the time. Bruegel is surrounded by Minerva and Mercury (who here personify Art and Eloquence, respectively) and a composite figure of Fortune and Fame. The cherub bearing the skull and torch at bottom is probably Thanatos, a classical symbol of death. He bows to mourn the artist, but as the still-flaming torch indicates, Bruegel's genius and fame are immortal.

plus-circle Add Review

comment

Reviews